By Ibrahim Abdul’ Aziz
Yola
Several fleeing residents who ran into nearby bushes and hilltops following recent attacks by dreaded Boko Haram insurgents on their surrounding villages in Michika and Madagali areas of Adamawa state are feared killed by snakes and other wild animals, eyewitnesses and local officials have confirmed.
Speaking yesterday, Chairman of Michika local government, Mr. Vandi Favanza, said several trapped residents were killed by snakes and wild animals in nearby bushes and hilltops following recent attacks on their communities.
Blueprint gathered that at least 10, 000 fleeing residents were trapped at the Nigeria and Cameroun borders and were facing severe hardship due to starvation, hunger and neglect.
Favanza said: “Thousand of residents are now trapped on the hilltops and several others I was told were killed by snakes, reptiles and other wild animals.
“Wild Animals are killing our people in their numbers just as hunger and lack of medical care does. Our people are in a terrible and pathetic situation right now.”
He added: “Let me tell you, as the insurgents’ rampage through towns and villages, maiming and killing; women, children and the elderly fled to the mountains. Some of the victims narrowly escaped from the mountains where they were held captive by the insurgents.
“Others could not make it, they were either killed by the rampaging insurgents, or snakes and many others were unknowingly said to have ran into wild animals’ dungeons at the border areas.”
Also speaking, a fleeing resident, Mr. Emmanuel Kwache, said: “Many trapped residents decided to flee when almost all our people are leaving the hilltops because of constant attacks by snakes, bees, and wild animals.
“While the bees and snakes are killing people, it still hasn’t stopped the militant group’s violence in our communities. They are still reigning.”